To really appreciate Saudi Arabia, you need to venture out into the wilderness and experience the natural wonders of the country for a night or two. From hidden forests or beach retreats to waking up on a dune or perched halfway up a mountain, camping is one of the Kingdom’s most unique offerings. Winter camping, known locally as ‘kashta’, is an essential Saudi experience which can be done independently, or with a tour company who will typically provide the whole set-up with dinner and entertainment.

Getting Pitched

Camping is a fantastic and affordable activity that goes hand-in-hand with off-roading. Throw the tent and sleeping bags in the back of your 4WD and any off-road trip can turn into a weekend or minibreak on a budget, or a multi-day adventure. Choose from the huge expanses of desert, the enchanting rocky mountains or breathtaking coastlines – you could spend every weekend of the winter season camping at a new spot and still only scratch the surface.

Generally speaking, there are no restrictions on where you can camp, with the exception of some public beaches, but obviously people’s privacy and property (farms and plantations) need to be respected. While the people you encounter in the countryside are generally friendly and helpful, this doesn’t mean that they want you sleeping on their crops or in their grazing areas. This is especially true after it rains. If you do end up camping near habitation, or even near other campers because you have no other choice, try to be considerate with the amount of noise and light you make.

While Saudi Arabia has low rainfall, flash floods can and do occur. If you are camping near a wadi, be mindful that these can flood very quickly. Should you spot any signs of bad weather brewing, pack up and move away to higher ground. Never set up camp in a wadi bed.

Climate & Weather

The weather in Saudi Arabia varies widely between its regions and diverse geographies, but in general it has a warm year-round climate, with daytime temperatures in double figures even in the winter months from December to March. At night, once the sun goes down, or on elevated terrain, a chill can set in, especially after a warm day, so it pays to be prepared. The spring months are most likely to bring rain, between March and June, while summer brings scorching temperatures of up to 45°C (113°F).

Amid the dunes

There’s nothing quite like going to sleep beneath a perfect starry sky and then waking up completely surrounded by one of the world’s most mesmerising dunescapes.

When camping in the desert, nothing is more important than to stay well hydrated. You’ll drink far more water in the dry heat of the desert than you would in a more humid climate, so make sure you bring a hefty amount. The best rule is to decide how much water you think you’ll need and then double it. Wherever possible, pitch your tent in the shade, or cover it with an opaque tarp – this will help to keep things cooler. Deserts are often hot during the day and chilly at night, so warm clothing and an extra blanket will go a long way towards helping you feel comfortable after dark.

Remember that, despite the vast space, the desert is an outdoor adventure playground for many and it’s possible that you may bump into other enthusiasts. When you select your camping spot, be sure that it is visible to oncoming vehicles, i.e. on a flat area rather than over the peak of a dune. It’s best to keep a light on throughout the night so you can be seen from afar.

Deserts are also home to some incredible creatures, most of which are harmless, but a few, like scorpions, can be hazardous if provoked. Make sure you keep your shoes on, watch your step and don’t go poking around in holes. Also, make a habit of shaking out your footwear before putting them on.

PROS

+ Beautiful sunsets

+ Plenty of solitude

+ Dune bashing adventures

CONS

– The vehicle could get stuck – be prepared to get digging at any time

– Digging tent pegs into the sand can be tricky – secure the corners of the tent with rocks, heavy bags or large bottles of water

Beach Camping

Saudi Arabia boasts beautiful coastlines to the east and west, the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf offering up gorgeous camping opportunities. Secluded seaside sunsets are a possibility, with a lullaby of waves lapping at the shore.

It may be forbidden to camp on designated public beaches and protected wildlife areas so obey the rules marked on signs and barriers. Be sensible about the tides and camp far enough from the water. Besides the safety aspects, you don’t want your litter, shoes or car to be washed out to sea.

PROS

+ Easy access from main roads, often with no need for 4WD

+ Sea breeze

+ Swimming and other activities

CONS

– Digging tent pegs into the sand can be tricky – secure the corners of the tent with rocks, heavy bags or large bottles of water

– Tidal hazards – know when it’s likely to come in and pitch up far enough away from the water

– Some beaches are littered

– Could be noisy and busy

In The Mountains

There are some stand-out mountain spots that are super places to pitch up. Especially in the hotter months, the additional altitude can go some way to alleviate the high temperatures.

The ground can be rocky, however, so ensure you have some extra padding and a mat to protect underneath your tent. As you’re camping with a 4WD and don’t really need to pack light, a blow-up mattress (with electric pump) will shield you from any bumps. Do take care, however, to clear the campsite of any sharp stones if you value your tent and your back.

PROS

+ Unique and beautiful scenery

+ It is often cooler in the mountains

+ Usually great hiking is an option

CONS

– You could find yourself sleeping on rocks

– Be careful if rain is predicted

– Mountain goats may invade (keep food hidden away)

– Difficult to fix tent pegs on rocky ground – secure corners of the tent with rocks

Safety Precautions

Before you set off, make sure that the car you’re taking is in good condition (see the 'Driving' section p ). Always have a fully charged mobile phone and car charger, and let people know where you’re planning to camp and when you intend to return.

While campfires are an essential part of any camping trip, make sure that yours is properly managed at all times. Small fires are easier to control, especially during windy conditions. You can keep flames low while still being hot enough to cook on and for warmth, and remember never to leave any campfire unattended. As the evening draws on, make sure everyone stays together or you at least know when people are heading off to answer the call of nature. Make sure you keep some footwear on at all times, or you might find yourself stepping on some nasty creepy crawlies.

RULES FOR CHILDREN

DO

+ Always stay in sight of the tent

+ Stay in pairs while exploring

+ Wear a head light in the evening so everyone can see you

+ Keep a safe distance from the campfire, even once extinguished

DON'T

– Lift up rocks or stick your hands into holes

– Pick or eat any plants

– Put your hand underneath your tent (scorpions love dark, cool places)

– Take off your shoes to wander around (you may step on something)

Basic Camping Equipment

The following is a list of gear that you may want to take with you:

• Tent
• Lightweight sleeping bag (or light blankets and sheets)
• A camping mattress, air provides the best comfort
• Electric pump (with car lighter adapter)
• Torches and spare batteries (head torches are useful)
• Maps or a GPS system
• Cool box
• Water (for drinking and washing)
• Food and drink
• Camping stove, firewood or BBQ and charcoal
• Paper to light the fire
• Matches or lighter
• Insect repellent and antihistamine cream
• First aid kit (including any personal medication)
• Sun protection (hats, sunglasses, suncream)
• Warm clothing for cooler evenings
• Toilet roll
• Rubbish bags

STARRY NIGHT

Saudi Arabia’s varied terrain is perfect for sleeping under the stars; its vast remote landscapes with low levels of light pollution lend themselves particularly well to stargazing. Guests to AlUla can spend a few hours enjoying a stargazing experience and dinner, with a guide pointing out the constellations amid the magical rock formations in this ancient locale. Alternatively, head to any remote location with a clear, open sky, armed with one of many mobile apps that map the night sky to help you identify what you see. The best time to go stargazing is around the new moon, or events such as the Geminids Meteor Shower, which occurs annually in December, while winter stargazing offers seasonal constellations such as the Winter Hexagon. If you’re lucky, it is possible to see the Milky Way on the darkest, clearest nights.

The Red Sea Project, currently under construction off the coast of Tabuk Region, plans to become the largest certified Dark Sky Reserve in the world once it is complete. The accreditation would come from the International Dark Sky Places Program, an initiative to encourage communities, parks and protected areas around the world to preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education.